Fiestas Patrias

Friday, 18 September, was Fiestas Patrias – the Independence Day for Chile; and  Saturday, 19 Sep was Army Day.  Both were both celebrated with family time, parades, eating and dancing.  The big soccer (futbol) field complex just behind the big Wanderers Stadium up by our cemetery was one of the main celebrating spots for Valpo.  It took over a week and much work and one day of no electricity at the cemetery to get it ready.  It had booths, carnival-type rides, food and horses and…

We celebrated by working at the Cementerio Friday and Saturday.  How better to sample two full “typical” Chilean almuerzo (lunch) spreads.  It reminded us of how the Army dining facilities always went all-out to serve “the best” on the major holidays.  We were served their delicious grilled ribs, a special salsa, an empanada and for desert/drink the mote con huesillos (half-dried whole small peach with juice and whole cooked wheat-type kernels).

Saturday, the Estaca  Valparaiso Oeste had its first activity to celebrate Fiestas Patrias.  The Fiesta all started with everyone’s going outside and singing the Chilean Nation Anthem while they raised a big flag….  Very good church PR for people on the street!

  Then we enjoyed each ward’s rendition of  “La Cueca” (national dance of Chile).  Games were played on the patio, and we enjoyed  being together.  And of course there was food:  the Chileno choripan, empanada and mote con huesillos.